Running alone vs. Running with a club
I always thought that I didn’t need a running club to run with. I had so many reasons to run all by myself. But since I did end up at a running club, all I wonder is why oh why didn’t I do this any sooner? Signing myself up for the NYC Marathon 2016 and my general ambition to become a better runner and hit that next level is actually what inspired me to sign up for a running club. So now, I've made a list comparing all my so called reasons never to join a running club versus the reality of being in one.
1. Let’s get social
Alone
I’m a ‘the more the merrier’ type of person who is never alone. I’m always on the move - in a continuous non-stop mode - and so, peace and quiet (barely) exists in my life. That's where running comes in; it makes me forget about everything. I log off, shut down, and go run! Some time alone without having to please others or taking others into account is just what I need. Truly a moment of peace, all by myself.
Running club
The first time I was at the club was a bit awkward actually, because of the real community spirit already present in the room. But quickly after meeting my new running group and getting their warm welcome, I started to feel a part of this spirit as well. I had never met these people, they didn’t have any expectations of me, and they came here every week to run for the same reasons I came to run. It felt so warm and positive that I really looked forward to running with them every week. Having conversations or small chitchats usually only happens during warming up or resting, and feels so natural with nothing being forced.
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During our warm-ups, we talk and laugh mostly. ;-)[/caption]
2. Play that music
Alone
I always run with my music on. Running without a beat is so much heavier and I really need that beat to get into my running rhythm. Music gets me through the weak and tough moments and it keeps me from losing my focus. That’s why I never really ran with a running buddy. Listening to music and talking to someone else is a bad combination ;-).
Running club
During my second training, I carefully put on my music without my headphones. The rest of my running group could hear the music and their response to it was actually really positive. Still, I don’t always turn on my music when I run with them, only during the long distances or when I run most of the training on my own. I never thought this would work, but it is a perfect alternative.
3. Places to run
Alone
When I run at home, my rounds are all pretty much the same. The same round and not a lot of adventure in them. You won't hear me complaining about it since I have the beach and dunes almost in my backyard, but there is a slight possibility of getting bored. But to be really honest, my sense of direction isn’t that well developed at all (and that’s an understatement), so I usually don’t have the courage to go off the beaten track.
Running club
It is a blast for me, to run with a trainer who tells me where to go. I don’t have to think about where I’m going, if I’m on the right track and I know I’ll be home on time. Actually, my running club isn’t right around the corner from where I live and that’s a good thing. It means that I get to run around places where I would never run by myself. The only thing is that it is not so easy to assess how far it still is until the finish. Something I do know on my own routes.
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Ben is navigating us (on his bike) through some great places together with his dog.[/caption]
4. Challenges
Alone
Do I challenge myself enough when I run on my own? I would really like to scream YES, but the truth is that when I run by myself, I run at a constant pace. And the only challenge that I usually add, is increasing my pace between light posts or ending the run with a sprint. So, no interval training for me when I’m alone.
Group
This is the real reason why I started running in a group. How am I going to prepare myself for the biggest race (42 km!!) in my life ever? I had serious doubts about my own abilities and I really wanted to be prepared for it. Now, interval training has become part of my weekly routine, because our trainer yells at us to speed up for 5 minutes or to run a certain distance within a specific time period. Having the trainer ensures that I get to do enough challenges that will make me better, stronger and faster.
5. Spontaneous
Alone
Being able to go out for a run whenever you like is one of the best benefits of being a runner. Big round or small round. I'm the one in control and calling the shots. If you have the opportunity and time, you can still do this next to running with a running club, of course. But personally, in wintertime I have a hard time motivating myself to go out for spontaneous runs ;). Thankfully, my running club motivates me and kills all of my excuses.
Group
Every running club is different, but my running club has a schedule for almost everyday of the week. So luckily there is a run that fits perfectly into my schedule and there’s always an option to join another group when I have to cancel during my regular running training. And having a steady moment every week for a run, also feels great when you like structure and regularity like me ☺.
Do you run alone or do you run with a group and what is your motivation/experience? Would you do it differently?
